Sandalwood is expensive enough so that, unlike most trees, it is harvested by removing the entire tree instead of sawing it down at the trunk close to ground level. This way, wood from the stump and root can also be used.

Sandalwood in India is widely used in the handicraft industry. The main source of true sandalwood,S. album, is a protected species, and demand for it cannot be met. Many species of plants are traded as "sandalwood". The genusSantalumhas more than 19 species.

Our company uses strictly the genus Santalum Album (the true sandalwood) for making beads and carvings. Many suppliers use synthetic fragrance chemical produced as an alternative to the natural product and sell the same as true sandalwood.